Aitken announces departure from Renault F1 team
Formula 2 driver Jack Aitken has announced his association with the Renault Formula 1 team has come to an end.
Aitken had been part of Renault’s F1 programme since 2016 and graduated from the academy in 2019 after a three-year tenure. He took part in F1 testing for the team in both 2018 and as recently as 2019 and acted as the team’s third and reserve driver throughout the 2018 season.
The 24-year-old Briton continued his test driver role for Renault in 2019 alongside a sophomore campaign in F2, having switched from ART Grand Prix to Campos Racing.
Formula 2 driver Jack Aitken has announced his association with the Renault Formula 1 team has come to an end.
Aitken had been part of Renault’s F1 programme since 2016 and graduated from the academy in 2019 after a three-year tenure. He took part in F1 testing for the team in both 2018 and as recently as 2019 and acted as the team’s third and reserve driver throughout the 2018 season.
The 24-year-old Briton continued his test driver role for Renault in 2019 alongside a sophomore campaign in F2, having switched from ART Grand Prix to Campos Racing.
In his second season in F2, Aitken improved to fifth place in the drivers’ championship, claiming the Baku feature race win and two sprint race victories at Silverstone and Monza, as well as making an additional four podium appearances across the year.
Prior to making the move into F2, Aitken finished runner-up to then ART Grand Prix teammate George Russell in the 2017 GP3 Series. He is yet to confirm whether he will return to F2 for a third consecutive season in 2020.
"I would like to express my thanks to Renault and the Academy for helping me reach a position where I can now take a very exciting next step in my career which will keep me on course to fulfil my ambition of reaching the very top of motorsport," Aitken said.
"I wish the Renault F1 Team and its drivers every success for the future. I am not yet in a position to announce my plans for the forthcoming season but stay tuned to my social media channels for all the latest news which should be made public very soon."
It leaves Renault with former Williams driver Sergey Sirotkin as its third and reserve driver, while F2 racer Guanyu Zhou is a development driver.
Renault replied to Aitken's post on Twitter, saying: "It's been a pleasure working with you and seeing you go from strength to strength over the years."
Today, I announce my departure from @RenaultF1Team. I can only say how much I’ll miss every single one of you guys, and moments at Enstone will forever by highlights of my life. Thank you for all you’ve done for me, and wish you the best. Onto a new chapter, and a fresh start. pic.twitter.com/vYkDpZfY71
— Jack Aitken - 한세용 (@JaitkenRacer) February 3, 2020
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